Barkley stops Saints from marching on

England hopeful Shane Geraghty missed a last minute drop goal as Northampton missed the chance to go top of the Guinness Premiership in their 21-20 defeat against Bath.

Geraghty, who was left out of England's RBS 6 Nations campaign, kicked 15 points for the Saints but his last-gasp effort was wayward and the Jim Mallinder's side had to settle for a losing bonus point.

A penalty apiece from Geraghty and Bath fly-half Olly Barkley made it 3-3 before Paul Diggin's try gave Saints - who had rested 12 players - the lead.

Barkley reduced the gap before England hooker Lee Mears put the hosts 11-8 in front at the break.

Geraghty was on the scoresheet against soon after half-time before England wingMatt Banahan put Bath back in front with a clinical try.

But Saints fly-half Geraghty into his own booting three penalties to put the Saints in front.

There was another twist though as Barkley registered another three points to edge Bath ahead after
Northampton flanker Neil Best had been sin-binned.

Geraghty had the chance to win the points in the last minute but he dragged his drop goal wide and Bath held on for victory which boosts thier own play-off hopes.